If you wish to sample some of the state's best premium wines, go for a wine tour in Walla Walla, Washington. Though its name may sound funny, this farming community in the southeast corner of the state is quite serious about producing excellent vintages. The warm, dry climate is perfect for growing grapes and very pleasant for an afternoon of tasting in the beautiful, scenic area.
Start at the Walla Walla Village Winery tasting room at 107 South Third Avenue. Their new releases include a 2005 Cabernet Franc, 2005 Merlot, 2005 Winter White Chardonnay and 2006 Riesling. Open Thursday from 7 a.m to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and by appointment by calling 509-525-9463.
Step down the street to Seven Hills Winery at 212 North Third Avenue, open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment by calling 509-529-7198. One of the region's long-standing and well-respected establishments, Seven Hills has gained international recognition for its Bordeaux-varietal red wines. Seven Hills' 2007 Ciel du Cheval, a vintage red that "Wine Spectator" magazine describes as "polished, round, and effortlessly focused," received a score of 93---out of a possible 100---in the February 2010 issue.
Travel a few blocks to Canoe Ridge Vineyard, located at 13th Avenue and West Cherry Street. The tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 509-527-0885. "Wine Enthusiast" magazine rates the 2006 Canoe Ridge Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown wine at 89 points---out of 100---and calls it "a fine value.".
Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
13 ½ East Main Street, Suite 214
Walla Walla WA 99362
509-526-3117
www.wallawallawine.com
Saviah Cellars is located southwest of town at the corner of J.B. George Road and Peppers Bridge Road. The tasting room is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment by calling 509-522-2181. Saviah Cellars, which is an artisan winery featuring small quantities of ultra-premium wines, was named 2009 Winery of the Year by "Wine and Spirits." Specializing in reds, Saviah produces a selection of syrahs, cabernet Franc, cabernet Sauvignon, and malbec.
Travel just down the road to Pepper Bridge Winery, 1704 J.B. George Road,
where the tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call ahead with a party of more than eight or to arrange a winery tour: 509-525-6502. Specializing in cabernet sauvignon and merlot products, Pepper Bridge's 2005 vintage Cabernet received scores of 93 from "Wine Enthusiast" and "Wine and Spirits" magazines, which called the vintage "fine, generous, and elegant."
Walla Walla Wineries
Lowden, WA 99360
509-525-4461
wallawallawineries.com
Cougar Crest Estate Winery, located northeast of Walla Walla at 50 Frenchtown Road, features syrah, cabernet Franc, and merlot offerings. Cougar Crest's 2002 Walla Walla Valley Estate Grown Syrah was rated a 94 by "Wine Spectator" magazine, and the 2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received a rating of 93 from the publication. With daily hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tasting, Cougar Crest encourages advance notice for groups larger than 15; call 509-529-5980.
Visit the nearby site of Dunham Cellars,a renovated airplane hangar at 150 East Boeing Avenue, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dunham produces cabernet sauvignon, syrah, trutina (a Bordeaux-style blend), red table wine, riesling, and chardonnay. With rave reviews from "Sunset" magazine, the "Wall Street Journal", "Wine Press Northwest", and "Wine Enthusiast," Dunham Cellars' premium products are a tasting experience not to miss during your Walla Walla tour.
Le Chateau Winery, located at 175 East Aeronca Avenue, features grapes grown throughout the Columbia River valley in its Le Chateau Selection, and exclusively Walla Walla-grown fruit in its Chateau Walla Walla line. Challenge your palate to taste the subtle differences. Le Chateau specializes in small-batch vintages, which the winery does not distribute nationally. Varieties include Sangiovese, cabernet Franc, Castle Red, and chardonnay. The tasting room opens daily at 10 a.m., or call for an appointment: 509-956-9311.
Tourism Walla Walla
8 S. Second Avenue, Suite 603
Walla Walla, WA 99362
wallawalla.org
1-800-wwvisit
